How to Install WordPress Using Softaculous in cPanel

Overview

This tutorial provides a complete walkthrough on how to install WordPress on a domain or subdomain using the Softaculous app installer inside cPanel. The instructor begins by showing an empty web directory index, logging into cPanel, and identifying three different entry points to access the Softaculous WordPress management interface. The lesson then covers the setup configurations required during installation, including selecting the HTTPS protocol, selecting the target domain or subdomain, clearing the default 'wp' directory field to install WordPress in the root path, and configuring site metadata, administrator credentials, and administrator email. Finally, the video demonstrates two methods for accessing the WordPress admin dashboard: utilizing the automated one-click login link provided by Softaculous upon completion, and navigating manually to the '/wp-admin' login URL. It also highlights an automated security compromise warning triggered by using generic credentials such as 'admin' and 'password'.

Accessing cPanel and Navigating to Softaculous

00:00

Before beginning the installation, ensure your domain or subdomain is connected to your web server. When navigating to the site prior to installation, an empty index directory will typically display. To install WordPress, first sign in to your hosting account's cPanel dashboard with your username and password. cPanel provides three main ways to open the Softaculous WordPress manager: 1) via the 'WordPress Manager by Softaculous' shortcut on the left navigation sidebar; 2) under the 'Software' section via 'WordPress Manager by Softaculous'; or 3) under the 'Software' section using the 'Softaculous Apps Installer' icon.

• Check that your domain or subdomain points to your server before starting setup.
• Sign in to cPanel using your hosting account credentials.
• Access Softaculous either from the left sidebar or through the Software section tools.

Configuring WordPress Installation Settings

00:50

Within the Softaculous WordPress Management screen, click the 'Install' button. Under the Software Setup section, ensure the protocol is set to 'https://' and choose your target domain or subdomain from the dropdown menu. Crucially, clear the 'In Directory' field (which defaults to 'wp') so that WordPress installs in the root folder of your domain rather than a subfolder. Verify the WordPress version, then configure Site Settings (Site Name and Site Description) and Admin Account details (Admin Username, Admin Password, and Admin Email). Once settings are configured, click 'Install' and wait for the installer to finish processing.

• Choose 'https://' to ensure secure traffic.
• Clear the 'In Directory' box so WordPress installs directly on the root of your domain.
• Configure your site name, description, and administrator credentials before clicking Install.

Verifying Installation and Logging into the WordPress Dashboard

02:01

Once the installer completes, Softaculous displays a success message with links to your newly installed site and your administrative URL. Refreshing your domain shows the default WordPress site frontend. To access the admin dashboard, you can click the direct administrative URL generated by Softaculous for an instant one-click login. Alternatively, you can log in manually in any browser tab by appending '/wp-admin' to your domain URL (e.g., tutorials.bentechs.com/wp-admin) and entering your administrator username and password. Note that using weak credentials like 'admin' and 'password' will trigger a security compromise alert (such as Imunify360), prompting an immediate password change.

• Refresh your website frontend to verify that WordPress has loaded.
• Softaculous provides a direct one-click login URL to bypass credentials immediately after install.
• Log in manually anytime by navigating to 'yourdomain.com/wp-admin'.
• Avoid default credentials like 'admin' and 'password' to prevent security warnings and compromise alerts.

/wp-admin